Sports Park now responsibility of club, leagues

IMPERIAL BEACH  Smiles, applause and hugs followed the Imperial Beach City Council’s unanimous decision Wednesday to enter into an agreement with the Boys & Girls Club of South County and local little leagues to operate and maintain its Sports Park and recreation facilities.

The decision follows a contentious battle between city staff, council members and the community over who should manage the Sports Park, expand programs and offer more quality services.

“You deserve credit for listening to this community and giving the Sports Park collaboration a chance to prove to you that there was something better out there for our community,” Imperial Beach resident Candy Unger told city officials.

The city initially chose the South Bay Family YMCA over the Boys & Girls Club after putting out a request for proposals.

Community members opposed that partnership, citing increased costs, lack of public input in the decision and fear of loss of local control.

In June 2013 a citizens coalition was formed and asked for a process that included ideas from organizations, residents and a council subcommittee.

Mayor Pro-Tem Robert Patton and Councilman Brian Bilbray formed an ad hoc committee and met with members of the Sports Park Collaborative, which provided oversight on organization qualifications.

When the proposal went back out last fall, the Boys & Girls Club was the only organization that responded.

The council had anticipated receiving another proposal from the YMCA, but officials said a ticking clock and shift in financial obligations ultimately led to the organization’s withdraw.

The agreement calls for the Boys & Girls Club to operate the recreation center, skate park, tot lot and parking lot with the Imperial Beach Little League and Girls Softball League operating the athletic fields through a separate agreement with the city.

Participating ages begin at 2½ years and go to 55-plus ranging in cost from free to $60, depending whether payment is as an individual, family, member, resident or nonresident.

Unger urged the Boys & Girls Club during Wednesday’s meeting to remember the things that are important to the community.

“Things such as keeping the skate park free…,” she said. “One of the most important things we hope is that you won’t forget your promise to never turn a kid away because a family can’t afford it.”

She also asked council members to keep those involved with the Sports Park responsible.

“I hope you hold the Sports Park collaboration accountable for the promises we made to you to engage the community with events and functions that generate money to put back into the Sports Park and to making it more desirable and to promote a better sense of community,” she said.

Councilman Ed Spriggs said he was proud to witness the cooperation and problem solving.

“This is what we really need to do — have government and community cooperating to come up with solutions that will work for everybody,” he said.

The city had looked for a new operator for years. With enough funds only to cover costs through Dec. 31, 2013, payment is currently coming from general fund reserves. Staff estimates the new management could save the city about $100,000 annually.

The city will use $50,000 to offset facility power and water costs for 2014 and 2015 with any remaining money used for improvements.

It will also provide $10,000 for scholarships of lower income residents.

This agreement will move forward through the end of fiscal year June 30, 2015.

Toward the end of the contract, city staff will recommend the best scenario going forward.